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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Agronomic evaluation of maize inbred lines and their potential to produce hybrids adapted to a tropical environment

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.7611
Submitted
5 February 2025
Published
27-08-2025
Versions

Abstract

Maize is the most extensively grown cereal worldwide. It is planted on approximately 197 million hectares and, together with wheat and rice, constitutes a major element of the human diet as well as a key component in global food security. In Malaysia, maize is mainly used for animal feed, although 100 % of it is imported, which affects the nation´s food security status. In this sense, developing maize hybrids and varieties could be crucial for the successful cultivation of maize in the country. This study was conducted in Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia, to identify maize inbreds with the best adaptability for the region and the necessary characteristics to be used as inbred parents for developing outstanding hybrids. A total of 17 maize inbreds obtained from Asia and CIMMYT, Mexico were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. Each replication was planted on separate planting dates. A full diallel-cross was implemented to determine their ability to produce hybrids in all possible combinations. With the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was noticed that the seed weight, leaf number and ear aspect of the inbreds had significant differences. The inbreds HPOOL23 and MrChua-OP1 showed the highest seed weight values when used as either males or females. Moreover, the neighbor-joining method helped to identify the inbreds with high yield and good ear quality. This study will serve as a basis for understanding the behaviour of inbreds in hybrid development.

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